Novel Carbon Nanohorn-Based Treatment Revolutionises Cancer Therapy

Context:

Recently, researchers from the JAIST have created cancer cell membrane (CM)-wrapped CNH nanoparticles to deliver the paclitaxel (PTX) more effectively for treating colon cancer.

Tumor-cell–coated-carbon-nanohorn-for-efficient-delivery-of-drugs

More on News:

The team has developed a cutting-edge solution involving carbon nanohorns (CNHs) to create a multimodal cancer phototheranostic platform that integrates photothermal therapy (PTT), immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Background

Cancer continues to challenge medical science with its complexity and tendency to metastasize, or spread to distant body parts and form new tumours.
Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are often limited by non-specific targeting and severe side effects.
In response, researchers are exploring innovative approaches that combine multiple therapeutic strategies to address these challenges.

Key Highlights:

PTT uses light-sensitive materials to convert near-infrared (NIR) light into heat to destroy cancer cells through localised thermal effects.

However, PTT has limitations, including its inability to target cancer cells outside the irradiation area, reducing its effectiveness against metastases.

Additionally, the effectiveness of PTT is restricted by how deeply NIR light can penetrate, which affects the treatment of deep tumours.

To overcome these challenges the team has designed cancer cell membrane (CM)-wrapped CNH nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in colon cancer treatment.

These nanoparticles utilise the inherent properties of CNHs along with the targeting capabilities of cancer cell membranes, enhancing the precision of PTT.
To enhance treatment effectiveness, researchers encapsulated the anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) within CNH‒CM nanoparticles. These particles are designed to deliver the drug directly to tumours and improve its efficacy.

Significance:

The researchers found that PTX-CNH‒CM complexes accumulated more and remained longer at the tumour site compared to free PTX, leading to enhanced chemotherapy effects.
The nanoparticles also showed strong photothermal effects and triggered significant immune responses, effectively destroying tumours.

Implications:

The high surface area and unique properties of CNH enhance drug loading and photothermal conversion efficiency.
The biomimetic CNH nano complexes exhibited excellent tumour-targeting capabilities, controlled drug release, and effective cancer cell destruction, leading to a robust antitumour response.
The integration of multiple therapeutic modalities into a single platform offers hope for overcoming the limitations of current cancer treatments and improving patient outcomes.